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Cover image of The Black Family's Guide to College Admissions
Cover image of The Black Family's Guide to College Admissions
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The Black Family's Guide to College Admissions

A Conversation about Education, Parenting, and Race

Timothy L. Fields and Shereem Herndon-Brown
foreword by Akil Bello

second edition
Publication Date
Binding Type

Named one of the Top 2023 College Admissions Resources by Forbes and featured on NPR as "Book of the Day." "Groundbreaking."—Angel B. Pérez, CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling

Finding the right college is a challenge for all students, but Black families face additional challenges and questions when navigating the admissions process. Veteran admissions experts Timothy L. Fields and Shereem Herndon-Brown demystify this complexity by advising families on when to begin the process, where to apply, and how to be a competitive applicant.

Fields and Herndon-Brown address...

Named one of the Top 2023 College Admissions Resources by Forbes and featured on NPR as "Book of the Day." "Groundbreaking."—Angel B. Pérez, CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling

Finding the right college is a challenge for all students, but Black families face additional challenges and questions when navigating the admissions process. Veteran admissions experts Timothy L. Fields and Shereem Herndon-Brown demystify this complexity by advising families on when to begin the process, where to apply, and how to be a competitive applicant.

Fields and Herndon-Brown address specific concerns that are not often addressed by school counselors or other resources. They highlight how recent social justice movements and legal cases have amplified the necessity of considering both Historically Black Colleges and Universities and predominantly white institutions, while covering everything from athletic recruitment and artistic talents to financial aid and step-by-step instructions for how to search for colleges and then apply to them.

The second edition includes new chapters on
• prioritizing students' and parents' mental health,
• understanding the influence of artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT on college essay writing,
• reviewing recent Supreme Court decisions about race-conscious admission and their likely impact on Black applicants, and
• navigating the admission process as a transfer applicant.

A list of the best colleges for Black students, a glossary of terms, a list of notable Black college graduates and their alma maters, a suggested reading list, and an FAQ section round out the guide. Having worked on both sides of the desk—as school counselors and as college admissions gatekeepers—Fields and Herndon-Brown are well equipped to give parents, students, and school counselors the information and inspiration to research a variety of schools, understand their choices, and define success on their own terms.

Reviews

Reviews

A much-needed guide with both insight and practical takeaways. It fills a void in the literature about the distinctive hardships and adversities Black students face in the college admission process. There's much wisdom in this book for all parents too; it encourages families to examine both personal values and resources when seeking possibilities in education.

As a test prep tutor and an admissions counselor, I've come across some incredible admissions guides, but they don't always address the specific issues faced by Black students. The Black Family's Guide to College Admissions is a game changer, meeting my students where they are and empowering them to excel. Now, more than ever, this guide is an invaluable tool.

It has been an honor not only to read The Black Family's Guide to College Admissions but also personally to use its contents when advising students. This book is not simply a reference guide. It's an act of love. And Timothy and Shereem are not simply authors. They are the caring, committed college counselors whom every Black child deserves when pursuing higher education.

An invaluable resource for Black families and those who support Black students through the college admissions process. Just when I thought all of the college guides had been written, the authors used their considerable expertise to fill an information gap with wise and much-needed counsel.

This book is a game changer for families of color. Educational access and equality are critical during a historic period of unrest in our country. Additionally, a focus on the importance of the mental health side of college admissions will ensure that the next generation of leaders will be equipped to find success. My hope is that every parent and caretaker and educator will read this book and give it to those in need.

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About

Book Details

Publication Date
Status
Available
Trim Size
6
x
9
Pages
304
ISBN
9781421448961
Table of Contents

Foreword
Akil Bello
Preface
Introduction
Part I: Context
1. Affirmative Action Is Dead
2. Black Parents: The Choices We Make Now Matter Later
3. Shift in Power: The Resurgence of HBCU Culture
4. The Power 3

Foreword
Akil Bello
Preface
Introduction
Part I: Context
1. Affirmative Action Is Dead
2. Black Parents: The Choices We Make Now Matter Later
3. Shift in Power: The Resurgence of HBCU Culture
4. The Power 3 (The Black Ivies)
5. What Is a Liberal Arts Education, and Is It Worth It?
6. What's Best for Your Child? HBCUs versus PWIs
Part II: X Factors
7. What Questions Should You Be Asking in Your Family?
8. Perception versus Reality
9. Why We All Need to Prioritize Mental Health
10. Gender Wars: How Black Males and Black Females Are Assessed in College Admissions
11. Sports, Arts, and Special Talents
12. Show Me the Money
Part III: Process
13. The Power of Essay Writing
14. Expectation for Success Timeline
15. The Process: What Are Colleges Looking For?
Acknowledgments
In Our Opinion
Appendix A.: Best Colleges for Black Students
Appendix B.: Frequently Asked Questions
Appendix C.: Notable Black College Graduates Mentioned in the Book
Suggested Reading
Glossary
Index

Author Bios
Timothy L. Fields
Featured Contributor

Timothy L. Fields

Timothy L. Fields (ATLANTA, GA) has spent the last twenty-five years in various areas of higher education and is a graduate of Morehouse College. Currently he serves as the senior associate dean of admissions at Emory University.
Shereem Herndon-Brown
Featured Contributor

Shereem Herndon-Brown

Shereem Herndon-Brown (GERMANTOWN, MD) is the founder and chief education officer of Strategic Admissions Advice, an educational consulting firm specializing in the creation of college counseling curriculum for charter schools and school districts, online essay courses, and personalized college advice coaching.